*This content was translated by AI.View Original
Yongin FC has issued an official statement to actively refute the recent controversy over Technical Director Lee Dong-guk’s alleged “negligence of duty.” The club explained that, due to the nature of the technical director role and the general K League practice of non-resident contract arrangements, much of the work is field-oriented. It stated that judging actual performance solely based on office entry records is inappropriate.
On the 3rd, Yongin FC released a statement through its official channels detailing the key duties and achievements Lee Dong-guk has actually carried out, addressing suspicions surrounding his performance.
Previously, the office of Kim Jae-won, a member of the Rebuilding Korea Party, raised suspicions of negligence, stating that despite Lee signing a high-value contract worth 288 million won over two years, his office entry records showed only 26 days between December last year and October this year. It further noted that among the 14th scheduled squad strengthening meetings this year, entry records were confirmed for only one day.
In response, Yongin FC emphasized the specific nature of the technical director’s duties. The club stated, “We have carried out work including scouting and reviewing player acquisitions domestically and internationally, as well as analyzing squad strength and securing the club’s competitiveness.” It added, “Match video analysis, player evaluation, on-site observation, and consultations with stakeholders possess characteristics distinct from general office administration and require considerable time and expertise.”
The club further refuted by stating, “Actual consultations and meetings were typically conducted outside regular working hours at various sites, including not only the administrative office but also stadiums and training grounds, where Lee Dong-guk performed a professional role in this process.”
The club also listed specific external achievements driven by Lee Dong-guk. According to the club, it signed a memorandum of understanding with Sevilla FC (Spain) to establish a practical cooperation system, including youth development, coach education, and training programs, to be operational from 2027. Additionally, it established a cooperative relationship with Y.S.C.C. Yokohama (Japan) regarding squad management and youth development. In October last month, the club directly visited Yokohama to consult on specific technical exchange plans, building the domestic and international networks necessary for a newly founded club in its early stages.
The club also mentioned contributions to on-site support and raising the club’s awareness. It stated, “We have checked the squad’s performance and operational status and proposed improvement measures at home and away matches for the 2026 season, as well as during training camps and practice games.” It added, “At the same time, leveraging the high recognition accumulated through a long playing career, we actively participated in external promotional activities to introduce the newly founded club and expand its fan base.”
Regarding the attendance management controversy, the club addressed the contract format. Yongin FC explained, “It is common for technical directors to fulfill contractual obligations under non-resident service contracts, with over 90% of all K League technical directors adopting this non-resident service contract method.”
The club further stated, “While entry badge tag records are tallied at 26 instances, these differ in nature from actual attendance management materials.” It drew a line by adding, “Even on days without records, various duties such as attending official meetings, on-site match activities, and domestic and international business trips were carried out. Therefore, rather than judging the entire scope of work based solely on simple entry records, evaluations should be made by comprehensively considering actual activity details and related materials.”
However, the club added its intention to supplement future management systems. Yongin FC stated, “While we positively evaluate work performance, we fully recognize the need to manage and verify the execution process and outcomes more systematically.” It concluded, “Taking this matter as an opportunity, we will further clarify the roles and responsibilities in each area, including the technical director, and build an objective and systematic system for managing work and performance.”
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*This content was translated by AI.View Original
